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Bordered by Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh did not receive its statehood until November 2000. It is known for its large coal reserves and cultivation of rice which has also earned it the title of the ‘Rice Bowl of India’.
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The food scene of Chhattisgarh showcases influences from the cuisines of the surrounding states and the culture of the tribal communities that call it home. Several regional dishes are prepared using curd, rice, rice flour, and area-grown leafy greens and grains. If you are planning the next trip to the state, here are some of the famous dishes from Chhattisgarh that are must-haves.
7 Famous Foods Of Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh’s Fara
Momos have origins in Tibet but India’s variant of momo is fara, a traditional rice-based dish popularly consumed in Chhattisgarh. Usually, rice flour or wheat flour dough is stuffed with a spiced lentil mixture and the dumplings are steamed. Much like momos or dim sums, it is either served with chutney on the side or curry. It is a lightweight snack you can pack in your tiffin and enjoy throughout your expedition through Chhattisgarh.
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Muthia
Muthia is another Indian cousin of momos that has gram flour as the star ingredient. It is often consumed for breakfast. The dumplings are prepared with chickpea flour or rice flour spiced with chilli powder, fenugreek seeds, turmeric powder, and other native herbs and spices. The thick batter is shaped with hands by greasing palms. The elongated muthias are either steamed or deep-fried in oil. In Chhattisgarh, you will find vendors using rice flour and adding chopped spinach, coriander seeds, crushed ginger and other spices to infuse it with lip-smacking flavours.
Chana Samosa: Chhattisgarh’s Popular Street Food
Samosa is among the top-ranked street foods of India with hundreds of variants being sold throughout the country. In Chhattisgarh, the stuffing of samosa comprises spices, boiled chickpeas, and even green chutney. This spicy and crispy snack is served with chutney and a cup of tea. Chickpea makes for a nutritious alternative for filling in comparison to potatoes which are stuffed in North Indian samosas.
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Bafauri
Households in Chhattisgarh hide secret recipes for nutritious snacks. Dishes like bafauri are not only rich in protein but cooked in a low amount of oil. It can be your perfect travel partner if you wish to avoid digestive discomforts. Chana dal batter is prepared by adding vegetables and spices to it. It is later steamed and served. You can call it a close cousin of idli and dhokla.
Arsa: Traditional Sweet Of Chhattisgarh
When it comes to exploring the sweet side of Chhattisgarh’s culinary landscape, arsa is a must-try delight. It is a traditional dish in which jaggery, rice, and ghee are its foundation pillars. The sweet mixture is shaped into small balls and deep-fried. Its chewy interior and crispy exterior make it a hit among locals. Uttaranchal cuisine has a similar recipe of the dish, and it’s an integral part of festive spreads in both the Indian states.
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Dubki Kadhi
Similar to its surrounding states, kadhi is also a part of the regional cuisine of Chhattisgarh. Dubki kadhi is a version of pakoda kadhi only. Gram flour and curd are mixed and cooked in a heavy-bottom pan. Once the concoction starts thickening, gram flour fritters are added and the tempering of curry leaves, mustard seeds, and turmeric is poured to make this a hearty dish.
Bara: Regional Snack Of Chhattisgarh
Bara is nothing but pancakes boasting savoury notes. Urad dal or black gram batter is whisked with finely chopped ginger, green chillies, and fresh coriander leaves. Its consistency remains thick so you can drop small balls of it in hot oil. Its preparation and taste will remind you of medu vada from South Indian cuisine. Accompanied with chutney and tea, it makes for the best evening snack.
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